This is the third album from US black metal band Hulder.
Following on from 2022’s The Eternal Fanfare and 2024’s Verses in Oath, comes the 49-minute Verbolgen, which is Hulder’s first as a duo. Verbolgen is old-school black metal, delivered with contemporary skill and vision. If you’re familiar with Hulder’s past work, then this new record is the next step along the artist’s path, a progression most welcome.
Verbolgen delivers nine tracks of classic black metal; eight songs, and an intro. Of the latter, rather than being the typical pointless waste of space that such tracks usually are, it’s unexpectedly really good – think a Wolves in the Throne Room-esque instrumental piece. It’s the calm before the storm. After this, we get the main black metal meal, and it’s clear that Hulder have continued to refine their art.
The style is rooted in old-school Scandinavian black metal. It drips second wave venom, while also incorporating influences from the USBM scene and medieval/folk elements. The songs are well-written and are awash with atmosphere and feeling. They have a formidable presence, at once ancient and fresh. You can recognise the shadowy strains of the old masters in Hulder, but you can also taste the act’s own individual icy flavour too. Verbolgen combines atmosphere and aggression, with mournful melodies and frosted rhythms. It’s majestic and fierce, while still retaining a melancholic heart.
With every release, Hulder’s music seems to become more confident and well-realised. Verbolgen is the purest expression of this yet, manifesting as a compelling slice of classic black metal. Verbolgen is a particularly enjoyable and rewarding example of the style, delivered and executed by an artist who has always been skilled. Verbolgen is Hulder’s strongest, most advanced release yet. The songwriting is a real strength of the record, tying together all of the moving parts so that they operate as one cohesive whole. This, along with the broader vision for black metal that Verbolgen presents, is ultimately why this record is so good.
Essential listening for fans of bands such as 1349, Enthroned, Emperor, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Mayhem, Satyricon, etc.
Wonderbox Metal 